Readers criticise 'empty bike lanes' as Leeds Council plan to revamp Whitehall Road layout

Leeds City Council have confirmed they have made refinements to the layout of the Whitehall Road cycle scheme, with more being considered. It comes after the width of the new cycle lanes faced criticism, due to the impact on buses travelling along the key route.

The new segregated bi-directional cycle lane, forms part of plans to revamp the pedestrian accessibility to the new Whitehall Riverside flats and reduce congestion along the city centre route.

Despite this, the lanes have been heavily criticised by residents and YEP readers, due to the lack of bikes spotted using them on a daily basis.

Lindsay Thompson said: “It’s ridiculous. The road is far too narrow for cars now. I don’t think an ambulance or police car could pass between the cars and a fire engine would have no way through at all. Very few cyclists using the very wide lanes.”

Johnny Valente said: “Our wonderful Leeds city councillors thinking empty bike lanes will help,” while Andy Gott joked: “The seven cyclists who use it will be chuffed to bits.”

“Just imagine if Whitehall Road had a proper, shared road layout…. The amount of traffic build-up would halve,” Craig Armstrong added.

Completing the link between Spence Lane and Riverside Way, the original layout was designed in line with national guidance, with extensive consultation, including engagement with bus operators and has been road safety audited. It is aimed at supporting sustainable travel, improve safety, and reduce congestion.

Despite this, Leeds City Council have already made changes to the layout and is reviewing whether any further interventions, including potential changes to speed limit, may be beneficial for safety along the corridor.

“Following feedback, we have made refinements to the scheme, including adjustments to road markings and kerbing, to improve the layout and overall operation of the corridor,” an authority spokesperson said.

Decisions about bus routes are made commercially by the operators through a formal process involving the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Traffic Commissioner. Some services were rerouted from Whitehall Road and now access the city via Armley Gyratory, Wellington Road and Wellington Street. The park and ride service to Elland Road continues to use this route.